About the band

First there was Sousa, then there was Elvis…

A band performing outdoors, with musicians playing wind instruments and a conductor in a red jacket and a yellow feathered hat leading them. The scene is set in a park with trees in the background.

The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band, Seattle’s own non-marching march band, plays rousing classics of marching band music—time-tested favorites by John Philip Sousa, Karl King and more. This spirited 30-piece brass and wind band comes with a splendid array of band uniforms, appearances by the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band Drill Team, and the World’s Finest Sedentary Majorette performing feats of seated baton twirling. The band’s sparkling good will never fails to make people smile.

A woman in a red military-style jacket conducting an outdoor musical performance, surrounded by other musicians and an audience.

What sets them apart?

The musicians wear a collection of colorful band jackets from across the United States.

Unique Fashion Sense

The World’s Only Sedentary Majorette

Edith Farrar takes her place at the front of the band to perform stunning feats of seated baton-twirling. Occasionally she may literally stun a band member. Such mayhem increases the rapt attention of the audience.

The band is poised to play. Suddenly director, Liz Dreisbach, turns to the audience with stories ranging from the first flight around the world beginning and ending in Seattle in 1925 to “Let me tell you about how young John Philip Sousa wanted to run away with the circus and his father marched him over to join the Marine Band instead.” These moments stimulate intellectual sensibilities.

Storytelling

Following in the distinguished footsteps of Sousa’s Band, this band will not march: a rare and daring distinction.

No Marching

The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band entertains crowds at festivals and park concerts, and their John Philip Sousa Annual Birthday Bash. Among their many highlights are: the grand re-opening of Seattle’s King Street Station, and lots of centennial celebrations: Seattle’s Alaska Yukon Pacific Expo, Pike Place Market, Klondike Gold Rush, Volunteer Park Conservatory, Whidby Island’s Admiralty Head Lighthouse, the First Around the World Flight accomplished in 1925, and the 1909 Ocean-to-Ocean Model T Endurance Contest Re-enactment.

And our top-rated sonic experience: the Seattle Scottish Highland Games Tattoo accompanying the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band.

Band Performance Highlights

What our fans say…

  • “I really look forward to the Sunday afternoon concerts. I have to say though that my favourite is the Sedentary Sousa Band and when they played yesterday there was such a wonderful engaging presence between the band and the audience.”

    – Peace Arch State Park

  • “Love the concerts, especially the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band. A visual AND musical treat.”

    – Friends of the Ballard Locks Blog

  • “What a fun group this is! And they even let you be a sedentary fan.”

    – Facebook comment

  • “I’m talking about that time when the Sedentary Sousa Band performed at Deception Pass and it was AWESOME! Huge thanks to the Washington State Parks Folk & Traditional Arts Program.”

    – Deception Pass State Park

  • “The world famous? Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band performing at the Ballard Locks. You have to hear it to believe it. A wonderful summer tradition with friends.”

    – Facebook comment

  • “Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band, Band A Palooza, great John Philip Sousa music. The Washington Post March. Outstanding.”

    – Burien Park Concert

  • “Huzzah! Hey Ballardanistas and Seattle folks! Don’t miss these guys! They are really good. I used to play with them in the early days, (before I outgrew my uniform!) a fun event for all who love a rousing Sousa march!”

    – Facebook comment

  • “Happy Monday everybody! And thanks to the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band – one of exactly 12 reasons I will make it through this month.”

    – Phinney Neighborhood Center Holiday Fair

  • “The Sedentary Sousa Band playing the marches of John Philip Sousa!! People, it doesn’t get any better than this!!”

    – Vashon Island Park Concert